goodtoknow says: Insomnia is a harmless but miserable condition. It can leave you feeling exhausted, irritated, low and desperate for sleep. Some insomniacs have difficulties simply getting to sleep, others find they wake very early in the morning or frequently through the night. Insomnia is usually temporary however and often related to stress. It doesn't affect your performance the next day as much as you may think. Help yourself by winding down properly and avoid too much caffeine and alcohol. Relaxation techniques help as can many herbal remedies.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of insomnia from patient.co.uk, read on.

About one in five people have some difficulty with sleeping. However, there are many things you can do to help yourself. This leaflet aims to show you some of them. For example, simple things like winding down before bedtime, avoiding certain foods and drinks, and a bedtime routine can help. Further ways to promote sleep in more difficult cases include relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and sleep restriction. Sleeping tablets are not the best way to help with sleep problems because you can get addicted to them, and they often stop working if you take them regularly.

- Find out more: Understanding normal sleep

More on poor sleep and insomnia

- Foods to help you sleep
- An expert's view on how to beat insomnia
- How hypnosis helped cure Jane's sleeping problems

- Sleep problems in children

• Next: Understanding normal sleep

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